Connection issues - Netgear MR814 v2

I have a Netgear MR814 v.2 with the latest firmware connect to wireline 98
system and using a Dell D600 XP Pro laptop. When first installed 2 months
ago it worked. Windows security upgrades are the only changes made to the
laptop. I was told by Netgear that 2 hotfixes were the cause of my
problems. I see the network available and when I check connect to... it
does not happen. The 2 hotfixes referenced Q815415 - removed and KB826942
cannot be removed locally. It calls for files to be replaced for which I do
not have access. I have not heard of anyone else with this problem. Any
advise or suggestions? Is Netgear correct? They first said I needed their
newest firmware / that did not work.

Thank you in advance for any input.
Joe